accident
Berlin: Fire in the Grunewald after an accidental explosion
Black smoke over Berlin: After an accidental detonation at a blast site in Grunewald, a neighboring forest is on fire. photo
© Gerd Roth/dpa
The incident happened at a Berlin police detonation site. The fire brigade could not start extinguishing the fire because of the risk of explosion. A freeway is blocked, rail traffic is interrupted.
After a detonation at a police detonation site in the Berlin Grundwald, the adjacent forest caught fire and the fire is spreading. Due to further explosions and flying debris, the fire brigade has not yet started extinguishing the fire – the emergency services have initially withdrawn to 1000 meters.
The regional, long-distance and S-Bahn traffic are interrupted, as the railway announces on its website. The Avus motorway between Spanish Allee and Hüttenweg is blocked in both directions, as is Kronprinzessinnenweg and Havelchaussee, according to the Berlin traffic center.
According to the fire department, residential areas are not in danger. “We will prevent that,” said a spokesman. The nearest residential buildings are at least two kilometers away. Transport infrastructure is also not affected.
Area of 15,000 square meters affected
The fire is currently affecting an area of around 1.5 hectares, i.e. around 15,000 square meters. It can be assumed that the high level of drought in the area will affect the further course of the fire, it said.
“The situation is confusing,” said a spokesman for the fire department. “We are currently in the consultation and observation phase.” There are 100 firefighters and police officers on site. Other forces and special forces of the Bundeswehr are requested. The fire brigade fears that the heat expected on Thursday will cause additional problems for the emergency services.
Authorities warn to avoid danger area
According to a police spokesman, it is still completely unclear how the explosion could have happened. Found ammunition is stored on the square and defused in a controlled manner by the explosive ordnance disposal service of the Berlin police.
The authorities warn the population about the major fire on the warning apps and called on them to avoid the danger area. Residents should keep windows and doors closed. Ventilation and air conditioning should be turned off.